Raspberry Sugar Cookies Vegan

Category: Sweet Treats Without Turning On the Oven

Soft on the inside and crunchy on the edges, these raspberry sugar cookies pair the tartness of frozen raspberries with a sweet, chewy base. Prepare a vibrant syrup by simmering berries and sugar, then swirl it into fluffy dough for a pretty marbled effect. Use a vegan-friendly and gluten-free flour blend, and keep the dough extra cold for best results. Roll in sugar before baking for a crisp finish. Enjoy cookies that stay tender for days, making them perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the week.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 23:07:00 GMT
A plate of pink and white cookies with raspberry jam. Pin
A plate of pink and white cookies with raspberry jam. | mellierecipes.com

These Raspberry Cookies are my go-to for a bright and chewy treat that never fails to impress everyone at the table. Soft in the center with just the right amount of crispy edges these cookies are packed with pockets of tart raspberry and a classic sweet sugar base. They are naturally gluten free nut free and without eggs which means almost everyone can enjoy them. I discovered the perfect technique for keeping eggless cookies tender for days and since then this has become a favorite in my family’s baking rotation.

My little one asks for these every birthday because the colors remind us of summer berries. I love that this recipe is flexible enough to fit last minute cravings or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • Frozen raspberries: add tartness and a pop of juicy flavor look for berries with no added sugar for best results
  • Gluten free flour: a 1 to 1 blend with xanthan gum helps the cookies hold together and stay soft
  • Cornstarch: provides extra chew and helps the cookies stay thick pick a fine powdered brand for best texture
  • Baking powder: lifts the dough for a fluffy yet sturdy texture check for a fresh leavening agent
  • Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and brings out the raspberry taste choose a salt with an even grain
  • Unsalted butter or vegan baking stick at room temperature: gives the cookies richness and tender crumb use a quality plant-based option for dairy free
  • Granulated sugar: both in the dough and for rolling adds sweetness and a perfect crunch use a fine sugar that blends easily
  • Milk: dairy or non dairy gives moisture and helps blend the flavors use a neutral flavored milk option
  • Red food coloring: just a drop or two creates a pretty marbled effect gels give a brighter hue with less liquid
  • Plastic wrap and parchment paper: make for easy handling and less mess essential for shaping and baking
  • Tips for quality ingredients: always check frozen berries for freezer burn use fresh baking powder and soften the butter fully before mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Raspberry Syrup:
Cook frozen raspberries with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat stirring often for around 10 minutes until the fruit is fully broken down and syrupy but still a little chunky this syrup will bring intense fruit flavor to every bite
Strain and Cool:
Pour the cooked raspberry mixture into a mesh strainer set over a bowl pressing gently to extract the syrup and set aside to cool you want a thick but pourable liquid for best integration
Chop the Raspberries:
Roughly chop the remaining frozen raspberries into small pieces but not so small they turn to mush freeze them again until ready to mix in to keep the dough firm
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl whisk gluten free flour baking powder cornstarch and salt together so everything is well distributed and no clumps remain
Prepare the Egg Substitute:
In a small bowl stir cornstarch with water until it dissolves into a thin watery paste this acts as your gentle binder
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Beat the butter and most of the sugar together with an electric mixer for two to three minutes until creamy and pale this creates the cookie base’s tenderness
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the cornstarch water mixture milk cooled raspberry syrup and optional food coloring the dough will turn a pastel pink with some fruit chunks
Combine Dry and Wet:
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture just until combined scrape bowl edges for any missed bits overmixing will toughen the dough
Fold in Frozen Raspberries:
With a spatula gently fold in the chopped frozen berries for a marbled effect do not overmix to avoid a wet sticky dough
Freeze the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and freeze at least one hour until firm freezing is essential in keeping the cookies thick as they bake
Shape and Roll in Sugar:
Scoop large dollops of dough with a cookie or ice cream scoop roll in reserved sugar to coat for a crunchy finish
Bake:
Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet spacing out widely bake at three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes to achieve a soft center and crisp golden edges
Shape and Cool:
As soon as they come out use a spatula to gently nudge the edges into a round shape let cool on the pan for five minutes before moving to a rack so the cookies hold together
A plate of red raspberry cookies. Pin
A plate of red raspberry cookies. | mellierecipes.com

The burst of color from the raspberry syrup always brings back memories of summer mornings making treats with my niece who loves swirling in a little extra syrup for fun

Storage Tips

Keep baked cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days They are still soft and chewy even after a few days thanks to the cornstarch When making ahead freeze dough balls on a sheet until firm then transfer to a bag for up to thirty days Bake them straight from frozen with maybe one extra minute in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Use a good quality all purpose flour if you are not gluten free Plant based butter and unsweetened non dairy milk create lovely vegan cookies without sacrificing taste or texture If you do not have red food coloring just let the raspberry syrup tint the dough naturally for a subtle pink hue

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a cup of lemon or herbal tea for a fresh afternoon snack Stack them atop vanilla ice cream or use them for a colorful ice cream sandwich Wrap individual cookies for gifting especially during spring and summer celebrations

Cultural Context

Raspberry cookies like these are a modern spin on classic fruit-filled teatime treats Their bright color and tangy bite are inspired by old-fashioned berry desserts but made accessible for today’s dietary needs I love sharing these at gatherings where everyone is included no matter their allergy

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Freeze the dough for at least an hour before baking. This prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

→ Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Frozen raspberries work best for structure, but you may use fresh; just chop gently and avoid overmixing.

→ What makes these cookies eggless and vegan-friendly?

Cornstarch mixed with water acts as an egg substitute. Use vegan butter, nondairy milk, and vegan sugar for a fully plant-based treat.

→ How should I store the finished cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.

→ Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes! Wrap dough balls in plastic, place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to one month. Bake from frozen when ready.

→ Why is my dough turning slimy?

Overmixing raspberries can release excess juice. Fold them in gently for the best texture.

Raspberry Sugar Cookies Vegan

Chewy, eggless cookies with tart raspberries. Gluten free, nut free, vegan option, and deliciously fluffy.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: No-Bake Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 12 Portions (12 large cookies)

Diet Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ For the Raspberry Syrup

01 240 grams frozen raspberries
02 50 grams granulated sugar

→ For the Cookies

03 250 grams gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum
04 13 grams cornstarch
05 6 grams baking powder
06 3 grams kosher salt
07 113 grams unsalted butter or vegan baking stick, at room temperature
08 270 grams granulated sugar, divided (additionally reserve 25 grams for rolling)
09 16 grams cornstarch mixed with 45 ml water
10 45 ml milk or plant-based milk
11 45 ml raspberry syrup
12 3 drops red food coloring (optional, use less if using gel or paste)
13 60 grams frozen raspberries, chopped into small pieces

How to Prepare

Step 01

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the frozen raspberries and granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until the berries break down and form a syrup, about 10 minutes. The mixture will remain slightly chunky.

Step 02

Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the raspberry mixture through. Allow the syrup to cool completely. You should obtain 45 millilitres of syrup.

Step 03

Roughly chop 60 grams frozen raspberries into small pieces, then return them to the freezer until needed.

Step 04

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix 16 grams cornstarch with 45 millilitres water until smooth and watery.

Step 06

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter or vegan baking stick with 270 grams granulated sugar on medium speed until soft and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 07

Gradually beat in the cornstarch mixture, milk, and cooled raspberry syrup to the creamed mixture. The texture will appear slightly pink and chunky.

Step 08

Slowly mix in the flour mixture in batches until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 09

If desired, blend in a few drops of red food coloring. Gently fold in the chopped frozen raspberries with a spatula to create a marbled effect without overmixing.

Step 10

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and freeze the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Step 11

Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 12

Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, divide dough into 12 portions. Roll each dough ball in the reserved granulated sugar to coat completely.

Step 13

Arrange the dough balls at least 8 centimetres apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Keep remaining dough balls in the freezer if baking in batches.

Step 14

Immediately after removing from the oven, use a spatula to reshape cookies into rounds. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Extra Tips

  1. For smaller cookies, use a smaller scoop and bake for 13 minutes. Keep dough chilled between batches.
  2. For a vegan version, choose plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, vegan sugar, and vegan food coloring.
  3. Store baked cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze dough balls for up to 30 days.

Tools Required

  • Electric mixer with paddle attachment
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Spatula
  • Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains wheat (unless certified gluten free), soy (if present in vegan baking sticks), and may contain traces of milk if not using vegan alternatives.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 245
  • Fat Content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 43 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams